COLUMBIA, S.C. — In 2022, the U.S. had 18 separate weather and climate events with losses and damages exceeding $1 billion dollars. The events included 11 severe storms, 3 tropical cyclones, 1 drought, 1 flooding event, 1 wildfire, and 1 winter storm.
NOAA has revealed that these disasters totaled approximately $165.0 billion for all 18 events, making 2022 the third most costly year on record. Hurricane Ian was the most costly event of 2022 at $112.9 billion and the third most costly hurricane on record.
In South Carolina, SC Emergency Management Division tells us Hurricane Ian cost residents over $1.9 million in damages. As for impact to public buildings, Hurricane Ian caused an estimated $27.6 million dollars in damage.
2022 was also an above-average tornado year. NOAA records that the U.S. tornado count for 2022 was approximately 9% above the 1991-2020 average with 1,331 tornadoes reported.
In South Carolina, SC Emergency Management Division tells us tornadoes cost residents over $5.5 million dollars in damage. As for impact to public buildings, tornadoes caused an estimated $20.4 million dollars in damages.
